Out with the old and in with the new. Carlyle Knights of Columbus members hold an electronic bingo flashboard sign dating back over 50 years while underneath the new, digital sign at the Carlyle KC Hall. From left: KC financial secretary Ron Kordick, Grand Knight Robert Lemanski (behind the older screen) and Ken Voegeli, bingo chairperson.
For more than five decades, bingo has been a staple at the Carlyle Knights of Columbus (KC) Hall, drawing people together for an evening of games, prizes and fun.
Now, the Carlyle Knights of Columbus is investing in a major equipment upgrade designed to enhance the experience while preserving one of the community's longest-running traditions
The upgrade comes after organizers determined much of the existing bingo equipment had reached the end of its service life.
"Our equipment was getting really old," said Knights of Columbus bingo chairman Ken Voegeli, who began spearheading the project about a year and a half ago. "You couldn't get parts for it (the old machine) anymore."
Much of the older bingo equipment had been in service for decades, with some components dating back at least over 50 years, since the 1970s. The older system included a bingo ball mixer that used air blowers to randomly mix and draw balls, electronic flashboards, and bingo cards.
Voegeli said the organization spent more than a year researching options and planning for the upgrade after attendance began to decline several years ago.
"We were averaging around 75 players a couple years ago," he said. "Now we're averaging about 110 players every Wednesday night."
Ken Voegeli, bingo chairperson, and Carlyle KC Grand Knight Robert Lemanski stand next to an old, outdated bingo machine that the Carlyle KC Hall used for over 50 years. They just installed new, updated equipment to give the community a better bingo experience.
Part of that growth can be attributed to changes made to the weekly bingo program, including increased payouts and the addition of more lightning rounds.
"We pay about $900 in lightning rounds before we even start bingo," Voegeli said.
The hall also offers 50/50 and regularly awards free bingo cards as well.
The new system includes updated software, electronic bingo tablets and multiple 65" television displays that will clearly show the numbers as they are called.
Organizers said the Carlyle Knights of Columbus will be the first bingo operation in Clinton County to utilize the large-screen display system.
Despite the addition of modern technology, organizers emphasize that traditional bingo will remain at the heart of the experience.
"We don't want to scare people away," Voegeli said.
Players will continue to have the option of using traditional paper cards, electronic tablets or a combination of both. The electronic tablets will be available starting July 1, and organizers can help with the tablets (if needed). The new bingo ball machine still features the blower-style that randomly selects bingo balls, just as the older one had done for decades.
In addition to the equipment upgrade, the KC Hall recently received a facelift thanks to the efforts of Bill Lampen, who helped coordinate improvements that included fresh paint and updated décor throughout the facility, which is the perfect setting for a wedding or party venue.
Organizers also are offering several promotions to encourage attendance. Every player receives a tally card each week, and after five weeks of drawings, a $500 attendance prize winner will be selected on July 8. Weekly drawings for free bingo cards are also held.
While bingo serves as an important fundraiser, Knights of Columbus Council #1382 Grand Knight Robert Lemanski said it also fulfills another purpose.
"One of the reasons we continue to host bingo is because it provides a social outlet for people in the community," Lemanski said. "A lot of friendships have been formed here over the years."
The KC Hall also hosts special events including Basket Bingo for the Women's Sodality of St. Mary Church in Carlyle and Purse Bingo for the Clinton County Fair Board.
In addition to bingo, the hall is home to several other community activities, including Queen of Hearts drawings every Thursday, a fish fry on the first Friday of each month, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast every third Sunday. The next breakfast is scheduled for June 21.
Voegeli noted that the success of the bingo program depends heavily on volunteers, including members of the Knights of Columbus, their wives and numerous community supporters.
"We've been working hard to bring people back and keep bingo fun," Voegeli said. "This new equipment is just the latest addition to what we're doing."
Funds raised through bingo and other events support a variety of charitable organizations and causes, including Community Link, Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center, Illinois Center for Autism, Murray Center Parents Association, the Pregnancy Care Clinic, the Newman Center, "Christmas in Carlyle" Christmas light fund, Special Olympics Region J, retired priests and nuns, and the Ministerial Alliance, as well as other Catholic charities.
They also support the schools, locally, as well, including post prom activities at Carlyle and Mater Dei high schools, Carlyle Jr. High Student Council, and Carlyle High School Booster Club.
Knights of Columbus Council financial secretary Ron Kordick said continued volunteer involvement is essential to the organization's ability to serve the community.
"If you are interested in joining our council or getting more involved, we encourage you to reach out," Kordick said. "We need inactive members to become active and help share the workload at fundraising events. If you don't feel like you've been invited to volunteer, consider this your invitation."
The Knights of Columbus Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the KC Hall in Carlyle. For more information, check out their Facebook page, Carlyle KC Hall, or their website, www.KofC1382.org.
